Refresh + Renew + Revive

Caring for What God Entrusted to Us

by CHRIS GIRATA, Rector and PEGGY CARR, Refresh Chair

In the spring of 2017, it was brought to my attention that our iconic Creation Window that sits above the choir loft was at risk of collapse.

Years of exposure to moisture changes and other natural influences had weakened the window and we needed to take care of it, and fast! Bill and Karen Pardoe stepped forward and offered to make a lead gift to repair the window. Their gift planted the seed that would be the Refresh + Renew + Revive project.

The Creation Window was the largest of a series of projects that we identified as ways to “refresh” our worship spaces. The Refresh Project, as was its shorthand name, gathered quick momentum. I announced the project at the beginning of Lent with a simple invitation: If you can give, give, and if you can’t this time, no worries. The response was quick and decisive. Our Saint Michael community was energized to take care of our spiritual home and gave generously. Within only a matter of weeks, we had exceeded our goal, and ultimately, we landed at more than 115% above it. The work of this great project was completed earlier this year, so I want you all to know what we’ve done!

The generosity shown by so many givers, allowed us to expand our initial plans to include other important areas of our worship spaces. Some of the additional projects focused on the Saint Michael Chapel, including the repair and restoration of the beautiful glass angels, as well as the complete replacement and reengineering of the interior angel doors and the exterior red doors. The details of our expenses are included here to you can celebrate with me for the meaningful work accomplished through our shared vision.

What we do together in this building helps build up the Kingdom of God on earth, and with each investment of time, talent, and treasure, the Kingdom grows. These significant projects have renewed our worship spaces in meaningful ways, making our building more hospitable and secure so that we can continue to do our important work together. The future is bright, and I am excited to be a part of God’s work in this place!

Refresh—this means “give new strength or energy to; reinvigorate."

Several years ago, we had a Refresh Campaign to raise funds to update our sanctuary, paint the Chapel doors, and totally outfit the contemporary service in the Parish Hall. Any time we have new strength or energy, we are invigorated and this is what is happening in our Saint Michael halls now.

When there are new pictures or posters on the bulletin boards in the hall, we stop to see what’s going on. When we see our friends, we stop to talk with them. Our attendance numbers are up in all categories. And, though I doubt it is because of the new paint, clean-up or seat fabrics, one gets a feeling that sprucing up means excitement and there’s lots to come.

When I walk in the doors of Saint Michael, I am home—always glad to be there, comfortable in the surroundings, fed by all who are there. Won’t you think about refreshing your commitment to our church and increase your pledge, come to church, participate in some mission activities. There’s a lot waiting for you.